Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

SONG OF SOLOMON 3:11KJV
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Song of Solomon 3:11 (KJV)

What does Song of Solomon 3:11 mean?

Song of Solomon 3:11 invites the "daughters of Zion" to come and look at King Solomon as he wears the crown his mother gave him on his wedding day, a moment described as the day of his heart's gladness. The verse highlights a public celebration and the joyful significance of Solomon’s marriage.

In this verse, the speaker addresses the young women of Jerusalem, calling them to witness a royal wedding procession. The focus is on King Solomon, his special crown, and the happiness surrounding his marriage. The scene is festive and communal, emphasizing the honor and joy of the occasion, with Solomon’s mother playing a notable role in crowning him.

The Hebrew behind Song of Solomon 3:11

  • "Daughters" (בַּת, bat): This word refers to the young women or maidens of Zion, meaning the people of Jerusalem. It sets the audience as witnesses to the event, not just passive observers.
  • "Crown" (עֲטָרָה, atarah): The crown here is not a royal symbol of power, but a festive or ceremonial crown, often used in weddings. This detail highlights the personal and joyful nature of the event.
  • "Espousals" (חֲתוּנָּה, khatunah): This word means "wedding" or "marriage." It marks the day as Solomon’s wedding day, not just a generic day of celebration.
  • "Gladness" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah): This word means "joy" or "rejoicing," emphasizing that the day is not only significant for its ceremony but also for the deep happiness it brings to Solomon.

Why Song of Solomon 3:11 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the crown is given by Solomon’s mother, not as a symbol of royal authority, but as part of a wedding celebration, showing family involvement and affection.
  • By inviting the "daughters of Zion" to witness the event, the verse connects the private joy of marriage to a wider community, making the celebration public and shared.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the Song of Solomon, shifting from longing and searching to fulfillment and joy, and it sets the tone for the themes of love and celebration that follow.

Where else these words appear

“crowned” Hebrew H5849 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Samuel 23:26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.
  • Psalms 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
  • Psalms 103:4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

“crown” Hebrew H5850 · used in 23 verses

  • 2 Samuel 12:30 And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
  • Proverbs 12:4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
  • Isaiah 62:3 Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.

“gladness” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.